ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Chickadee Words is an independent publishing company which started up in 2016. After my dad passed, I did some re-thinking about what I was doing with my life, and wondered if I couldn't do something I'd always wanted to do: write children's books. But not just any kids books.

Books with an easy-to read font. After research, I discovered Sassoon Primary font which has been extensively tested with kids and is a proven easy-to-read font for young readers.

Every book will entertain, yes, but also will incorporate character-building lessons, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. With the What If pages, lively conversations will help with reading comprehension plus application to real-life scenarios.

So each child will strive to achieve this reading goal and move on to the next level, each book has been professionally evaluated by both Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell. Your schools and libraries will be familiar with these, so be sure to ask. Eager readers will enjoy learning to read more if they’re reading at their specific level.

During the past couple of years, I have learned so much about writing, illustrating, and publishing. It's incredible! I now realize it takes a team to make a successful book. And, I am fortunate to have a great one. Please read about the professionals I take pleasure in working with to make the best possible books for kids. ~ Kathy J Perry

Mark Baral, a children's book illustrator and character designer, is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s in Studio Art at Pensacola Christian College. Mark has fostered his love for art by consistently drawing and painting, which enabled him to produce award-winning artwork both at the regional and national level. The process of bringing characters to life through design and illustration has always captured his attention. His love for stories is a great inspiration to him as he strives to create fun and entertaining characters that enhance the storytelling experience. Mark can be contacted at mdbaralkc@gmail.com.

Beth Bruno, Ed.M., M.A., began her literary career 20 years ago as a features writer and editor. Her weekly op-ed column, "Stand Up and Be Counted," became an instant hit when she invited readers to share their opinions about hot topics of the day and included them in her columns. In 2001 she published her first book, Wild Tulips, based on humorous and enlightening stories about raising children.

Another dimension of Beth's experience has been judging for an international contest: The Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Winners in more than 70 categories receive cash prizes, publicity, constructive criticism, publicity, and referrals to literary agents and publishers.

Rachel graduated in Graphic Design Communications, from the University of Creative Arts in 2005. Upon graduating, she was invited to present her work at the D&AD New Blood Exhibition. Since then she has worked with publishing houses, design agencies, for authors and charities that are close to her heart.

She has worked with Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Carlton Books, and Walker Books to name a few. Rising to the challenge of designing books and commissioning artwork for amazing authors like Terry Pratchett, John Boyne and Malorie Blackman are some of her greatest accomplishments.

She is a keen birdwatcher and volunteers as an education volunteer at WWT London Wetland Centre. She loves walking too and often climbs mountains and volcanoes when on holiday. When not on holiday, she makes do with evening strolls with her husband in her local park to see bats and owls. She once spotted a hedgehog having an evening snack there too and hopes to bump into him again this summer...

For more than two decades, Robin Blakely has helped make professional dreams happen for emerging experts, best-selling authors, renowned artists, and talent-driven brands from across the country. Leveraging publicity to increase business growth, Robin has secured and managed promotional placements for clients at print, broadcast, and live venues that have included HGTV, Book TV, The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, the Golden Door Spa, The Hollywood Reporter, ABC World News, Vanity Fair, and more. Robin has coached clients participating in satellite media tours for Crest, Listerine, Huggies, and QVC.

Early in her creative career, Robin was a news writer who became the producer of a live radio talk show that featured guests such as the vice president of the United States; best-selling authors; NY Times bestseller Harvey MacKay; comedians Bob Hope, Jeff Foxworthy, and Steve Allen; newsman Mike Wallace; astronauts, television personalities, movie icons, and others. Robin also produced an educational series in which Los Angeles County schoolchildren were introduced to the behind-the-scenes worlds of award-winning authors, including such luminaries as Madeleine L’Engle, Jon Scieszka, Barbara Park, Patricia Polacco, and more. For seven years, Robin taught and coordinated the Professional Writers Certificate Program at California University Extension Services at California State University, Long Beach.